Academy of Art University
Academy of Art University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Academy of Art University Worth It?
At a value score of 9/100, Academy of Art University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,008 — 27% below average — while paying $40,613/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 4.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 79% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Academy of Art University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Academy of Art University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #21 of 22 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Monroe University | 40 | $14,522 | $41,236 |
| #2 | Southwest University at El Paso | 27 | $16,906 | $29,648 |
| #3 | Rasmussen University-Florida | 21 | $21,909 | $39,080 |
| #4 | Sullivan University | 21 | $25,532 | $38,008 |
| #5 | Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga | 19 | $23,958 | $31,102 |
| #6 | SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville | 17 | $24,700 | $39,544 |
| #21 | Academy of Art University | 9 | $40,613 | $39,008 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Academy of Art University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in CA.
Best Programs at Academy of Art University
The highest-earning program at Academy of Art University is Computer Software and Media Applications at $46,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $19,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Software and Media Applications graduate from Academy of Art University earns $46,500, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $19,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Software and Media Applications graduates carry $37,669 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $40,613/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $46,500 | $46,500 | $37,669 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $39,400 | $39,400 | $31,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $34,900 | $34,900 | $31,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $31,100 | $31,100 | $35,000 |
| Graphic Communications | $27,800 | $27,800 | $37,250 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $25,900 | $25,900 | $40,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $19,400 | $19,400 | $36,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $19,100 | $19,100 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Student Body
- 3,587 students
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $40,613
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,008
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000